Nut weighing and bagging apparatus



Nov, 17, 1953 H. L. GIBSON 2,659,564

NUT WEIGHING AND BAGGING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 15, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 1I N V E N TO R Harry L. Gibson ATTO RN EYS & (IIIII/IIIIIIIII'II I Nov.17, 1953 H. L. GIBSON NUT WEIGHING AND BAGGING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 15,1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 HUWMMT \n u LP Y WIE im ji s m: g 5 mm 3 mm m mHrwATTORNEYS Ndv. 17, 1953 H. GIBSON 2,659,564,

NUT WEIGHING AND BAGGING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 15, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 3g 3 5 INVENTOR Harry L G/b50/7 ATTORNEYS Nov. 17, 1953 H. L. GIBSON NUTWEIGHING AND BAGGING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed A FIIE J lINVENTOR Harry A. G/bsan BY 5%AV ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 17, 1953 NUTWEIGHING AND BAGGING APPARATUS Harry L. Gibson, Los Angeles, Calif.,assignor to Desda E. Ahlburg, Los Angelcs, Calif.

Application August 15, 1949, Serial No. 110,429

1 Claim.

This invention relates to bagging equipment and machines andparticularly to that type of equipment adaptable for use in connectionwith the sackingor bagging of walnuts and similar items.

In the past numerous devices of this character have been made and testedand some of them have enjoyed varying degrees of success. In the main,however, these devices are unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons. Forexample, some ofthe devices are unsatisfactory for the reason that theydo not operate sufficiently accurately to obviate the necessityofa'reweighing operation of each sack of material, whichobviously'requires the presence of additional operators. It is obviousthat if a machine, whose purpose is to introduce nuts totalling apredetermined weight into a sack, is not accurate and that each sack ofnuts must be reweighed, effort is being duplicated and the machine isvalueless for the purpose intended. I

Other devices of this character have failed because of their lack ofspeed. While some devices of this character may have been consideredaccurate within certain limits, nevertheless they have not operated withsufficient speed to render their cost and expense Worth-while. It isobvious that where a large quantity of nuts are to be weighed andsacked, if the job is to be done by the use of slow machines, many suchInachines will be required. The purchase and maintenance of a number ofthese machines will be so great as to nullify any value which they mayhave.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a nutbagging machine which is highly accurate.

It is another object of this invention to provide a nut bagging machinewhich operates with suflicient speed to render its installation in aplantprofitable.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a device of thischaracter which can be utilized in conjunction with present packinghouse equipment.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a device of thischaracter which is simple to manufacture, easy to install, easy tomaintain and, above all, easy to operate.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will appear from thefollowing specification taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which Figure 1 represents a side elevational VlW, partly incross-section, of my device;

Figure 2 represents a generally cylindrical cross-sectional view takenalong the line 22 of Figure l;

Figure 3 represents a fragmentary horizontal cross-section taken alongthe line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure t represents a verticalcross-sectional detail taken along theline 4-4 of Figure l;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary detail showing the speed change mechanismshown in Figure 1 in a so-called "low speed position;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary detail showing the speed change mechanismshown in Figure 5 in a so-called high speed position;

Figure 7 shows a modification of the hopper arrangement illustrated inFigure 1;

Figure 8 shows a further modification of the hopper arrangement shown inFigure 7; and

Figures 9, 10 and 11 show a modified form of collection hopper anddischarge means; and

Figure 12 illustrates a modified feed hopper.

As shown in Figure 1 my device consists generally of a base H) whichsupports a feed hopper H, a conveyor 2, a weighing mechanism l3, a drivemechanism M and a control circuit Hi.

The base i0 consists generally of a horizontal member I! supported by aplurality of transverse channels |8, which lend rigidity to thestructure, which forms a rigid base which may be secured to anydesirable mounting. The base I0 is also provided with a plurality ofvertical support members |9 which support the feed hopper I, theconveyor I2 and the mechanism l3.

The feed hopper consists of a chamber 2| which is adapted to hold asubstantial quantity of walnuts, pecans, or other items to be weighedand sacked. These items may be fed into the hopper at its upper open end22 in any conventional manner. The lower open end 23 of the chamber 2|,as shown in Figure 1, overlies the upper surface of the upper run of theconveyor mechanism I2 in such a manner that walnuts, pecans or otheritems within the chamber 2| will flow downwardly through the chamber 2|onto the upper surface of the conveyor l2. In this manner the contentsof the chamber 2| are continually being fed to the conveyor.

It will be noted that one upper end wall of the chamber 2| is cut awayas shown in Figure 1, and in its place I have provided a yieldable wall24 composed of rubber or other suitable material. The purpose of theresilient or yieldable wall 24 is to prevent jamming of walnuts, pecansor other items between the wall of the hopper H and the upper surface ofthe conveyor I2 as the conveyor moves to the right as shown in Figure 1.

It will be obvious from the foregoing that the feed hopper may be of anydesired size or shape. However, it is desirable that the lower ordischarge end 23 of the same should be of the character which haspreviously been described, that is, that the lower or discharge endshould immediately overlie the upper advancing surface of the conveyorl2 and that the walls of the hopper should be designed in such a manneras to prevent jamming or wedging of the nut or other item between thehopper II and the conveyor I2 should one or more of the walnuts, etc.being fed to the conveyor fail properly to seat itself on the conveyorl2.

While I have indicated that the feed hopper is mounted upon the base II!and supporting members I9, nevertheless, it is obvious that .the samemay be supported in any other suitable manner as may be indicated bygood practice when this machine is inserted in a conventional packinghouse operation.

The conveyor I2 is likewise mounted upon the base It and the verticalsupport members I9. Generally speaking, the conveyor I2 consists of aplurality of receiving cups 26 as shown in Figures l, 3 and 4 which aresupported and advanced in a manner presently to be described. Theindividual receiving cups 23 are provided with recesses 21 which are ofa size to receive a walnut, pecan or other item to be weighed andsacked. Care should be taken however that the recesses 21 are ofsufficient size that no more than one of the items to be weighed andsackedmay be received therein and, on the other hand, that the recesses21 aresufiiciently large to receive one of said items without grippingthe same. In other words, the item to be conveyed must fit looselywithin the recess 21. In addition, and as shown in Figures 1 and 4, theupper surfaces of the cups 26 combine to form a relatively flat uppersurface to the conveyor I2.

Each of the cups is mounted upon an L-shaped bracket 28 and is securedthereto as by means of a rivet 29. The other leg of the bracket 28 issecured to one of the links 3| of one of a pair of chains 32. Theentireconveyor assembly I2 is mounted upon a frame 33 which is supportedby the vertical support members I9 and, as shown in Figures 1 and 2,consists generally of a pair of side rails 34 and 36. The rails 34 and33 provide a mounting for a pair of cross-shafts 31 and 38. Thesecross-shafts. 31 and 3B are suitably rotatably mounted within the rails34 and 36 as by means of bushings 39. The shaft. 31 is provided at oneend with a sprocket 4| which is secured to the shaft in such a mannerthat. rotation of the sprocket imparts rotation to the shaft.

The shafts 3! and 38 are provided with identical sprockets 42 overwhichthechains 3.2 are reeved.

Likewise supported upon the rails 34 and 3B are brackets 43 whichprovide side walls 44 tov the conveyor I2, thereby providing safetywalls so that an operators fingers will not be caught between theadvancing cups 26. Inaddition the brackets 43 support members 46 whichextend outwardly under the brackets 28 serving :to support the same andforming rails upon which the cups 25 ride. In. this manner the upper runof the conveyor I2, which is composed of a plurality of cups 26supported upon the chains 32, is supported and prevented fromsaggingduring-operation. By preventing the upper run of the conveyor I2from sagging, the same ismaintained in a proper spaced relationship withrespect to the feed hopper I I and wear and strain upon the chains 32,bushings 39, etc. is reduced to, aminimum.

From the foregoing it will be obvious that I have provided a conveyor I2which is formed of a plurality of cups 26 which are mountedupon chains32. The cups 26 present a series of staggered recesses 21 which areadapted'to receive Walnuts, pecans and other items from the feed hopperII as the upper run of the. conveyor I2 passes beneath the open lowerend 23 of the hopper II. The entire conveyor member I2 is supported bythe rails 34 and 36 and the shafts 3! and 38. The shaft 31, being thedriven shaft, by virtue of its also providing a mounting for the upperend of the conveyor I2.

sprocket M will, through the 'sprockets 42, likewise advancejthe chains.32. i The upper shaft 38, being an idler shaft, serves to support theAs the cups 26 on the upper run of the conveyor I2 advance, they willturn about the axis of the idler shaft 38 and will. discharge theircontents as they turn. By virtue of their staggered relationship asshown in Figure 3 the contents of the various recesses 21 will bedischarged in a staggered relationship since each cup 26 advances aboutthe axis of the shaft 38 just ahead of and just behind another cup 26but never parallel to another cup 26. Therefore, only one walnut, pecan,or other item in the conveyor I2 will at a given time be dis chargedover theupper end of'the conveyor I2. It will be obvious, therefore,that the rate of discharge will depend on the speed of advance of theupper run of the conveyor I2. In other words, if thespeed of the upperrun of the conveyor I2 is great; the cups 26 will turn about the axis ofthe shaft 33 with great rapidity with the result that the contents ofthe cup will likewise be discharged rapidly and the time intervalbetween the ,dischargeof each of the cups 26 will besmall. On the otherhand,.if the upper run or" the conveyor I2 is caused to advance slowlythe contents from the cups 26 will likewise be discharged slowly or, inother words, there will be a greater interval of time between dischargeof the various cups 26.

The walnuts, almonds or pecans or other items which are conveyed by theconveyor I2 and which are discharged from the cups 26 over the upper endof the conveyor I2 are discharged into a weighing mechanism I3.

The weighing mechanism I3 is likewise mounted upon the base It and, asshown herein, is to some extent supported upon an auxiliary base 41which is carried by the vertical supports H1. The weighing mechanism iscarried by a pair of vertical brackets 48 as shown. The brackets 48provide a mounting for a cross-shaft 49 and a rigid cross-member 5|.Rotatably mounted upon the shaft 49 are a pair of arms 52 and 53. Theends of the arms 52 and 53 remote from the shaft 43 are rotatablysecured to a vertical wallmember 54 as by means of the pintle andgudgeon arrangements 56. The shafts 51 are coaxially aligned and areparallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 49.

The cross member 5! is provided with a de pending member 58 to the lowerend of which there is pivotally mounted at 59 a beam 6|. As shown inFigure l, oneend of the beam BI is mounted by means ofa pintle andgudgeon arrangement 62 to the vertical wall member 54. The axes of theshafts 51 and 63 are parallel to the axis of the shaft 59. The distancebetween the longitudinal axis of the shaft 49 and the longitudinal axesof the shafts 51 is identical to the distance between the longitudinalaxis of the shaft 59 and the longitudinal axis of the shaft 63. Likewisethe distance between the longitudinal axis of the shaft 49 and thelongitudinal axis of the shaft 59 is identical to the distance betweenthe longitudinal axes of the shafts 5! and the axis of the shaft 63.Thus a parallelogram arrangement is formed by the members 52 and 53, themember 54 and the beam (SI, and since the axes of the shafts 49 and 59are positioned in one vertical plane, it is obvious that the wall member54 will at all times, likewise be in a vertical plane.

The upper end of the member 54 supports a hopper 64 into which thewalnuts, pecans or other items which are conveyed b'y 'theco'neyor I2'w'ill be discharged from the cups 26.- 117.3" The lower end of themember 54 is provided with a platform 66 which has a dual purpose. Thefirst purpose of the platform 66 is to provide a support for a sack orbag or other container 61. The second purpose of the platform 66 1stoprovide an upper mounting'and'reccss savoreceive the upper end of aspring. 69, whosel'ower end is mounted in a receptacle II mounted uponthe auxiliary plate 41. The purpose of the spring 69 is to prevent toorapid movement of the hopper 64 and platform 66. By changing spring 69one may vary the amount of weight required upon the platform 66 tolowerthe same. 9 The beam 6! is provided with a pair .of mem-' bers I2and I3 which rotatably support the end of a-lead screw I4. A weight I6is mounted upon the lead screw I4 and, by suitable operation of the leadscrew 54 the weight I6 may be moved from one end of the lead screw I4 tothe other, depending upon the wishes of the operator. In addition, thebeam BI is provided with a pin II upon which a balance weight I8 may behung; The balance weight may likewise be changed by the operator inorder to vary the amount of weight required upon the platform 66 tolower the same. The arms 52 and 53 are provided with a pair ofextensions I9 whichare adapted to receive threaded screws ill. Thescrews I8I are provided with lock nuts 82 whereby, once the screws illhave been positioned as an operator may desire, they will not be turnedout of position when the lock nuts 82 are turned down in a mannerwellknown to mechanics. T I

The rigid member 5 I, in addition to providing a mounting for the member58, is also provided with a pair of extending arms 83 and 84. The arms83 and 84 respectively form a support for a pair of electric switches 86and B! respectively; The switches 86 and 8! will -he1;ein2atfte 1"bereferred to as the low speed-'switch-and neutral switch respectively.The switches 86 and 61 are provided with actuating levers 88 and "69respectively which'are adapted to be actuated by the extensions I9- onthe arms 52 and 53. In other words, when the arm 52, for example, pivotsabout the axis of the'shaft 49, the extension I9 on the arm'52 willlikewise be actuated. When the arm 52 is actuated in such a manner thatthe extension 79, through the screw 8I, engages the actuating lever 68,;the Switch'86 will likewise be operated. .Likewise movement of the arm53, will, through its extension I9 actuate the lever 69 and operate theneutral switch 81. Thus it will be seen that the actuation or movementof the Weighing mechanism I3 will control the switches 8'5 and 81; Forexample, when-a quantity of walnuts, pecans or otheritems being weighedis received by the weighing mechanism I3, either in the hopper 64 or ina-sack, bag' or other receptacle 61 upon the base 66, the weight ofthese items will actuate the weighing mechanism I3. Movement of themember 54. will be resisted by the spring 69 and by -the weightsla andI8. However, depending upon the resist' ance offered by the spring 69and theefiect of the weights I6 and I6, weightupon the platform 66 willserve to urge the same downwardly ther'e by, through the parallelogramarrangment created by the arms 52'and 53, the member 54 and the beam 6 Iactuating one or both of the switche 86'and 81.

The drive mechanism I4 serves todrive the conveyor through the sprocket4 I. The sprocket 4| is connected to the drive mechanism I4throughachainQI. The power source for the drive mechanism I4 consists ofan electric motor 92 which drives a shaft 93 which is mounted insuitable bearings 94. The shaft 93 is provided with a worm gear 96 whichmeshes with a gear 91 which is suitably mounted upon and drives a shaft98. The shaft 98 is also provided with and adapted to drivea' pair ofgears I6I and I62 which, as is shown, are of different diameters. Thegears IM and I02 are in constant mesh with a pair of gears I63 and I64which are rotatably mounted upon a shaft I66. Hereafter the gears IM andI03 will be referred to as the low speed gears and the gears I62 and."I64 as the high speed gears. Also mounted upon and adapted to be drivenby the shaft I06 I have provided a sprocket I6! over which is reeved thechain 9|. Rotation of the sprocket I61 will, through the chain 9|, causerotation of the sprocket 4| and operation of the conveyor I2.

Also mounted upon the shaft I66 and splined thereto and adapted to drivethe shaft I66, is a dog clutch I08. The jaws of the dog clutch I68 areadapted to engage or disengage cooperating jaws upon the gears I63 andI64 which, it will be recalled, are rotatably mounted upon the shaftI66. The dog clutch I08 is actuated by a lever I69 and a yoke'III whichserves as a mounting for pins I I2 which engage the annular groove I I3in the clutch I08. In this manner the lever I09 through the yoke III andpins I I2 will actuate the clutch I68 either to the right or to the leftas shown in Figures 2 and 5. For example, when the-lever I69 moves theclutch I 68 down from the position shown in Figure 2, the jaws of theclutch I08 are engaged with cooperating jaws upon the gear I63. Sincethe gear I63 is rotating,- the clutch I68 will likewise rotate. Sincethe clutch I68 is splined to the shaft I66, the shaft I06 will likewisebe'caused to rotate, as will the sprocket I01. On the other hand, if thelever I69 moves the clutch I06 up from the position shown in Figure-2the jaws of the clutch I08 will engage the jaws of the gear I64whereupon the gear I64 which is rotating will, through th clutch I68which is splined to the shaft I66, drive the sprocket I61. When thelever I69 is in the position shown in Figure 2, which will be referredto as the neutral position, the jaws of the clutch- I68 are-disengagedfrom the jaws on both the gears I03 and I64 whereby the gears I63 andI64 will be free to rotate about the shaft I69 and will not impartmovement thereto. In this condition the sprocket I61 is motionless andthe conve'yor I2 will not be driven.

The means for actuating the lever I69 consists of a pair ofreciprocating shafts H9 and Ill which are journaled for reciprocatingmovement within the walls IIS. Since the lever I69 is mounted'upon eachof the shafts H6 and H1 in an identical manner-it will be sufficient tode-' scribe the manner in which it is mounted upon shaft H6, forexample. Th lever I69 is pro vided with an orifice, not shown, throughwhich the shafti-Ilfi extends. On either side of the lever I09 andspaced a slight distance therefrom I have provided a pair of blocks I I9and I2I which are secured to the shaft I I6 in any suitable man.- ner,as. for example, by means of pivot pins I22. Since there is a-slightspace between the blocks I I9 and I2I and the lever-I69 th samemay besaidto be loosely mounted thereon.

assumes Also mounted upon the sl'uattsv H6 and I I1 between the blocksI2I and the wall -I I8 I have provided a pair of springs I23, one end ofeach of said springs abutting t'he'wall H8 and. the other end abuttingthe member I2I. As shown in Fi ure 2, both springs I23. are compressedand tend to urge both the members I2 I up, as shown in Figure 2. Theshafts. I I6 and I I1 are pivotally connected to solenoids I24 and I26respectively. The solenoids I24 and I26 are mounted upon a flangedmember I21, as shown, which in turn is secured to the wall I I8. For thepurposes of further description herein solenoid I24 will be referred toas the low speed solenoid and the solenoid I26 will be referred to asthe neutral solenoid.

In Figure 2 it will be apparent that both solenoids I24 and I26 areenergized and, when this situation exists both shafts I I6 and I I1 havbeen moved to a limiting position, as shown in Figure 2, against theaction of springs I23.

I have also provided a threaded member I28 which is threadably mountedin the wall H8. The distance which the member I28 projects from wall IIBtoward the lever I09, as shown in Figure 2, may be varied. The purposeof threaded member I28 will more fully hereinafter be disclosed.

As has been previously pointed out, in Figure 2 thelow speed solenoidI24 and the neutral solenoid I26 are illustrated as being energized withbe apparent. Both of these shafts will be forced upwardly from theposition shown in Figure 2, until the lever I09 abuts against the memberI28. Obviously, and as is shown in Figure 6, the lever I09 will actuatethe clutch I08 on the shaft I06 to a position at which it engages the ihigh speed gear I04. It will be recalled that the high speed gear I04 isconstantly rotating and, therefore, since the clutch I08 is splined uponthe shaft I06, the shaft I 06 and the sprocket I01 will be rotated andthe chain 9I will be driven. An examination of Figure 2 will reveal thatthe gear I02 and the gear I04 are of approximately the same diameter andare:continually in .mesh. This results in a substantially direct drivebetween the shaft 98 and the shaft I06. I

When the low speed solenoid I24 is energized and the neutral solenoidI26 is not energized, the spring I23 on the shaft II! will hold the endof the lever I09 against the stop I28. However, energization of the lowspeed solenoid I24 will overcome the effect of the spring I23 on theshaft H6 and will pivot the lever I09 about the end of the threadedmember I28 and disengage the clutch I08 from the gear I04. Clutch I08will engage gear I03, which it'willbe recalled. has previously beenreferred to as the low speed gear. A study of Figure 2 will indicatethat the gear IN is of substantially less diameter than the gear I03whereby a gear reduction will take place upon the rotation of the gearIOI. Since both the gears IOI and I 02 are driven from the same shaft,it will be obvious that gear I03 will be driven at a greatly reducedspeed with respect to the gear I04. Therefore, upon the movement ofclutch I08 to a position at which it disengages thegear- I04 and engagesgear I 03, rotary motion of the gear I03 will be imparted at'a reducedspeed to the shaft I06 and the sprocket I01. Consequently, when theclutch I08 engages the low speed gear I03 the chain 9| will likewisebedriven at a reduced speed.

When the low speed solenoid I24 is energized ashas previously beendescribed in connection with the low speed operation of this device, andthe neutral solenoid I26 is energized, it is obvious that the effect ofspring I23 upon the shaft II1 will have been overcome and that the shaftII1 will be moved to the position shown in Figure 2. When this occursthe lever I00 is pivoted with respect to the shaft II6 whereupon theclutch I06 is disengaged from the gear I03. When this occurs the clutchI08 is disengaged from both the low speed gear I03 and the high speedgear I04 whereupon both of said gears continue to rotate freely upon theshaft I06 without imparting any rotary motion thereto. Thus, in theneutral position, there is no rotation of the shaft I06 and sprocket I01and there is no drive to the remainder of the device through the chain9|.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a simplesolenoid control for the operation or change of speed of the sprocketI01. By selectively energizing or de-energizing either or'both the lowspeed solenoid I24 and the neutral solenoid I26, one may operate thedevice at high speed, may operate the device at low speed, or may causethe device to stop by returning the clutch I08 to the so-called neutralposition as shown in Figure 2.

The control circuit I6 for controlling the operation of this device isshown in Figure 2.

The circuit I6 is connected to a suitable source of outside currentlabeled input. A control switch I3I is introduced into the circuit whichsupplies electric current to the low speed switch 86 and the neutralswitch 81. Low speed switch 86 is connectedto the low speed solenoidI24. Neutral switch 81 is connected to the neutral solenoid I26. Bothsolenoids are further connected to the input line as shown. In addition,I have provided a holding switch I32 which is actuated by the neutralsolenoid I26, so that'when the neutral solenoid I26 is actuated and inthe position shown in Figure 2, the holding switchv is closed and boththe low speed solenoid .I24' and the neutral solenoid I26 are energizedregardless of the further operation of the low speed. switch 86' or theneutral switch 81.

The circuit may further be described as follows: When the control switchI3I is closed and when the low speed switch 86 and the neutral switch 81are closed, both the low speed solenoid I24 andthe neutral solenoid I26are energized. The effect of energization of both the low speed solenoidI24 and neutral solenoid I26 has pre viously been explained as returningthe lever I03 to the neutral position shown in Figure 2. When thecontrol switch I3I is opened, the previously'described circuit is openedwith the result that the low speed solenoid I24 and the neutral solenoidI26 are de-energized and the springs I23 operate to urge the lever I09to the position shown in Figure 6 inwhich position, it will be recalled,the clutch I08 engages the high speed gear I04 and causes the shaft I 06and sprocket I01 to operate at the highest speed 9 attainable with thisdevice. Furthermore, the holding switch I32 is opened.

When the low speed switch 86 is closed by the operation of the weighingmechanism I3, inamanner presently to be described, the low speedsolenoid is energized. Energization of the low speed solenoid I24 servesto overcome the efiect of spring I23 on the shaft I I6 and actuates thelever I09 as shown in- Figure 5, in which position the clutch I08 isdisengaged from high speed gear I04 and is caused to engage the lowspeed gear m3. As has previously been pointed out, When the clutch I58and the low speed gear IE3 are in engagement, the sprocket I6! is causedto rotate at a reduced speed.

When the neutral switch 81 is actuated by the weighing mechanism I3 in amanner presently to be more fully described, the circuit is closedthrough said neutral switch 81 to the neutral solenoid I26 therebyenergizing the same. The effect of energizing the neutral solenoid I26will be to overcome the effect of spring I23 on the shaft Ill and toactuate the lever I99 to the position generally shown in Figure 2 which,it will be recalled, is the so-called neutral position,

' Operation of the neutral solenoid I26 serves to close the holdingswitch I32 thereby insuring, until the switch I3I is further actuated,that both the low speed solenoid I24 and the neutral solenoid I26'willremain energized regardless of any actuation of the weighing mechanismI3 with resultant opening or closing of the low speed switch 86 or theneutral switch 81. I'Opening of the switch I3I will de-energize theentire circuit previously described with the result that there will beno flow of current through the holding switch I32 to the low'speedsolenoid I24 and neutral solenoid I26. In addition, there will be nocurrent to the low speed switch 86 and the neutral switch 131. It mustbe borne in mind that the control switch I3I is normally closed in whichposition the solenoids I24 and I26 are energized and the deviceoperates, in neutral position: It is only upon the'opening of the switchI3 I that the circuit previously described is broken and that thesolenoids I24 and I26 are de-energized. Since the control switch MI isnormally closed, it is obvious that by operation of the same I meanmerely that the circuit is broken for an instant and that after thecircuit has been broken,

the switch I3! is returned to normally closed position whereby energy issupplied'to the low speed switch 86 and the neutral switch 87 to befurther same are closed.

Operation of the entire device may briefly be described as followsi Thecontrol circuit I 6 is connected at in'pu to a suitable source ofcurrent. In addition, current is introduced to the motor 92 and the sameis caused tooperate.

A quantity of walnuts. pecans or other items .to

transmitted through those switches when the beweighed and sacked isfurther introduced into the feed hopper'l I in any quantity to bedesired.

' Let it be assumed that it is desired that nuts are to be weighed inone *pound quantities. In the event that a'p'ound of walnuts, pecans orother items is to'be deliyered'into each of the containers 6"! upon the=-platform f66; theispring 69 will be rather light and itsprin'cipal'purpose will be to preventtoo iapid'dowriward swingingmovement of the'platform- 65". In "addition, as the walnuts, "pecans'orbther' item's'are discharged from the upper end'of the conveyor I2 itwil 1 be apparent that they will fall a considerable distance beforethey reach the container 51. The effectof the spring will be topartially overcome the effect of this drop. The weight 78 will beselected to provide a counterbalance to overcome the weight or" thehopper 64, the vertical member es and the platform 56, together with,for example, most of the weight of the filled package El. By adjustmentof the lead screw it the weight may be moved along the beam iii toprovide a further and more accurate balance. I

Continuing to assume that is desired that the receptacle 6? be packedwith 16 ounces of walnuts, pecans or other items, the screws 8! arepositioned to actuate the low speed switch 38 and the neutral switch 87in the following manner: As the contents of the receptacle 6? approach15 ounces, for example, I intend that the discharge from the conveyor I2be slowed down. To secure operation of this device in this manner, thescrew iii in the extension IE on the arm 52 will be set to close the lowspeed switch 86 when the contents of the receptacle 6? weigh '15 ounces.Closing the low speed switch 2% in this manner will, as has previouslybeen pointed out, cause the clutch Eiiil to be disengaged from the highspeed gear led and to engage the low speed gear Q83 whereupon the speedof the conveyor I2 will be reduced. As the speed of the conveyor I2 isreduced the rate of discharge from the cups 26 will likewise be reduced.As the contents of the cups 26 are introduced into the package atreduced speed the package 5? will naturally tend to be filled moreslowly.

' It is my furth r desire that when the contents of the package reach afull pound, no more walnuts or other items be discharged therein. Tosecure this result the screw iii upon the extension I9 of the arm 53 isadjusted so that when the contents of the package 5'! weigh one poundthe lever 89 of the neutral switch 8? will be actuatedto close theswitch 37 and energize the low speed solenoid I25. Whenthe neutralsolenoid I26 is energized (since the low speed solenoid l 25 haspreviously been energized) the lever I39 will be shifted to neutralposition whereupon the sprocket Ili'l will cease to rotate.

When the spring 69, weight it and weight I3 have been adjusted as aboveindicated, and when the members SI have been set to close the switches86 and 8'! as has previously been described, the device may be said tobe in operating condition.

Operation of this device after the foregoing adjustments have been mademay be described as follows: Current is supplied to the motor in withthe result that the worm gear 96, gear 9? and the gears IUI and I83 andgears I92 and ltd are con stantly rotating.

A supply of walnuts, pecans or other items is then introduced into thehopper Ii. r-suitable container 6! is placed upon the platform 6%. Thecontrol switch 53% which, it will be recalled, is normally closed isthen opened with the result that the low speed solenoid i2 5 and-theneutral solenoid I 26 are ole-energized. De energization of theneutralsolenoid 226 also causes the holding switch I32 to open. I

As has previously been explained deenergization of the solenoids I24 andI25 allows the springs I23 to move the lever It?) upwardly to the highspeed position with the result that the clutch I08 engages theconstantly rotating high speed gear I04. Since the clutch M38 is splinedto the shaft Its, rotation of the high speed gear HM will ultimatelycause high speed rotation of the sprocket Hl-I which, through the chain9!,

drives the sprocket ll. Rotation of the sprocket M will, through thesprockets 42, advance; the chains 32 and, cups 26,, and cause the.sameto pass under the-open end of the. feed,hopper, I I. Asthe cups 26pass under the open end of the hopper II, the contents of the hopper.will be received in the recesses 21 and will, be carried, as shown inFigure 1, upwardlyand overthe upper end of the conveyor I2 and will.bedischarged through the hopper v64 into the container 61. As thedischarged items accumulate in the container 61, the platform, 66 willbe de-v pressed. As has previouslybeen explained, too rapid downwardmovement of the platform 66 ,is prevented by the, spring 69. The effectof the counterbalances 16 .and 18 will,.likewise,tend to prevent toorapid swinging ,of the platform .66. As the contents of the container 61approach, a predetermined weight as, for example,- ounces, the iowspeedswitch86 will be actuated and will supply current to the low speedsolenoid I24. When this. occurs, it will be recalled, the low speedsolenoid I24 overcomes the efiect of the spring I23 on the shaft H6 andshifts the clutch I08 from the position at which it engages .the highspeed gear I04,.to a position. at which it en-. gages the low speed gearI63. This: shift reduces the speed of rotation of the sprocketIIlI. andresults in a decrease in the speedyof the conveyor I2. As the contentsofthe cups 26 are discharged more slowly over theend. of the conveyor I2it will be appreciated that greater accuracy may be attained. In otherwords, there is sufficient time betweenqthe time one walnut reaches thereceptacle 61 for. a distinct weighing operation to be. carried onbefore ,another walnut is discharged from the following cup 26. In thismanner eachoof the last few nuts or other items discharged bytheconveyor I2 is, in effect, separately weighed. When sufll cient walnuts,pecans or other items have been introduced into the receptacle 61,tobring the weight of the same to, for example, 16 ounces, the platform 66has, beenlowered andthe screw 6| on the arm 53 has actuatedthe lever, 83of the neutral switch 81, closing the switch. .81, and energizing theneutral solenoid I26.

As has previously been vexplainedlsince the low speed solenoid I24hasalready been, ener-. gized) energization of the neutral solenoid I26will result in the clutch IIIBbeing returned to neutral position withvthe result that the entire mechanism stops.

Bag -61 and its contentsmay thenbe removed from the platform 66. Theplatform 66 and the hopper 64 will then swing upwardly under thepressure of the spring 69 and by virtue of the efiect of the weights 16and 18. When the platform 66 swings upwardly the switches 86iand 81 willbe opened. However, the. opening of .the switches 86 and 61 does notserve to ode-energize the solenoids I24 and I26 becausehas has,previously been explained, the holdingswitch', I32 is actuated bytheneutralsolenoid I26, whereby.

for as long a time as the neutralsolenoid I26 is energized, the holdingswitch I32 will'be closed, thereby energizing both the solenoids v.I24and I26.. The holding switch I32. will. only be opened when the neutralsolenoid I2 6 is deenergized. The neutral solenoid I26 will only bede-energized when the control switch I3I is opened for the brief instantwhichstarts the .en tire cycle of operation.

Another bagor receptacleisthenplaced upon the platform. Control switchI3-I, is opened. As has previously been. explained, results, .in a.

d e..-energiz-ing,--ofthe' two solenoids 1 I 24 :gand"; I26 with theresult that therdrive mechanism, :15 ac-. tuatedat high speed. Thecomplete cycleis again I repeated untilt-theicontents of a-. new bag 61approach: l5.-.-ounces. Whenrthis occurs the drive mechanism: is shiftedto w speed and the itemsto be.-weighed;:and .;sacked are -more orless-individually dropped or dribbled, into the container v61.When,;the.,-contents, of the .con-. tainer 61 "approach the :desired;.totalweight ,as, for; example, 16 ounces, ,the 1 neutrah solenoid .I 36 will be actuated thereby shiftingthe clutch I06 to neutral-positionand closing the holding switch I32. The conveyor mechanism-J2 will behalted and the container 61 and .its contents may then be removedfromthe platform .66.:

Figure '1 illustrates a modification of the weighing mechanismpreviously described. I have found that in. the weighingof some itemswhich are rather heavy,. the-springw69 and the weights 16 and 13 maynotcontrolthe platform 66, sufiiciently accurately. In other words. whenthe objects .being; discharged over the end of the conveyor I2 arerather heavy, the sudden addition, of h rwe sht to; the accumulateditems withinrthe receptacle .61 will cause sufficient movement ofthe-platform -66 to. actuate-one. or, both of the switches 86.:and 81.,before the weight of the. items .within, the receptacle-61 actuallyreaches the weight for which the switches 86 and 81. have previouslybeen set;

To overcome..this. difficulty l haveprovided a resilient rubber memberI33, thelower lip..I34 of; which is in closeproximity to the upper edgesof,thecups 26c Memberv I33prevents anyot the -walnuts, pecans or other.items. from. being dischargedfromthecups 26 untilthe cups have swungabout; the-axis =of-the shaft 33 sufilciently tohaveclearedthelower end.I34 from the meme ber,.I3 3. Member I33..may be supported in,anysuitablemanneras, for example, by a pair of. arms,.I3Ii-which aresecuredto the, side rails 34 of the, conveyor-.mechanism I2 As, shown,inHFigure. 7, the hopper 64-which is...mounteduponl the vertical member54. is, pro vided at its lower open end. withha'. swinging gate, ,I31The gate. I31 .is. provided with ,an operatingrarm. :I 38 and isnormally held in closed position. by pring. I39... The... emainder of.the device operates in the same manner as. the.preferred embodiment,shownin Figures 1 t0. hereof, as previously described, herein. However,the material discharged" over theendof the. conveyor, I2 .isnotdischarged through the-hopper 64 into a receptacle, sack, bag, etc, 61,but is retained Within thehopper 64 by gate. I31..- When the. contentsof the.,hopper, 64 approach 15 ounces, foruexample, the mechanism. is.shifted from higllSPCBdztO lowspeed. and when the contents of. thehopper -64-reach the limit of oneflpound, theentire mechanism isstopped.

Whenthe peratorsees that, the machine is stopped, ,he rshe slips-a bag61 over the lower end. of .the hopper 64 In; so. doing she, will engagethedever I38,--and-,swing the same about the .hinge -I 4 I against thetension of the spring I39.. The. contents .ofthe hopper 64 will then bedischargedlintog the sack 61. The hopper 64 then returns to an elevatedposition as has previouslybeen described in connection with thepreferred ,embodiment herein and: the machine isstarted by.theoperation, of the control switch I3Ij, The machine; continues tooperate in; a manner as, has, previously beemdescribed, until the,contents or the hopper, again reach a the.

13 predetermined weights as has previously been described.

In this manner I have provided an absolute means for preventinginaccuracy which may be created by the effect of too great a weightbeing discharged suddenly from the conveyor mechanism into thereceptacle 61.

Another modification of my device is illustrated in Figure 8 and has forits purpose another method of overcoming the difficulties previouslymentioned. In this modification the hopper 64 is likewise provided witha swinging grate I31a which in turn may be actuated by a lever I38aabout the hinge I4Ia. In this event, however, the member I38a is adaptedto be actuated by a solenoid I42 which is also mounted upon the hopper64. The plunger I43 of the solenoid I42 is secured to the lever I 38a bya connecting link I44.

The lower end of the hopper 64 is adapted to drop downwardly into thearea within a second hopper I46 which is rigidly secured to the verticalsupport members I9 by a pair of supporting arms I41. The hopper I I6 isprovided with a switch I48 which, as is shown in Figure 8, is connectedto and adapted to operate the solenoid I42. The switch I48 and thesolenoid I42 are connected to a suitable source of current, not shown.

Operation of the device illustrated in this modification is similar tothe operation of the device as illustrated in Figure 7, in that thewalnuts, pecans, or other items are retained within the hopper 64 byvirtue of the gate I31a. The gate Him is normally held in closedposition by the action of the spring I39a. However, the gate I 31a canbe opened against the resistance spring I39a by actuating the leverI3Ba.

When the contents of the hopper 64 weigh enough to stop the operation ofthe machine, the operator then slips a receptacle or sack 61 over thelower hopper I 46. The operator then operates the switch I48 andenergizes the solenoid I42. By energizing the solenoid I42 theresistance of the spring I39a is overcome and the gate I31a is openedwhereupon the contents of the hopper 64 are free to pass through thehopper I46 into the sack 61. When the sack 61 is removed from the hopperI46 the operator removes his thumb from the switch I48 therebyde-energizing the solenoid I42. When the solenoid I 42 is de-energizedthe spring I 39a serves to close the lower end of the hopper 64. Themachine is then started, as has previously been described, by theoperation of the control switch I3I, whereupon the conveyor I2 is againstarted and walnuts, pecans, etc. are introducedover the end of theconveyor I2 into the hopper 64.

As shown particularly in Figure 9, I have provided four curved membersII, each of which is adapted to overlie one of the advancing rows ofcups 26. The curved portion of the members I5I is substantiallyconcentric with the upper sprocket 42 over which the chains 32 arereeved. In this manner the members I5I serve to retain walnuts, pecansor other similar items in the cups 26 until the cups have advanced overthe upper end of the conveyor mechanism I2 and around the sprocket 42sufliciently to clear the lower ends of the devices I5I. The devices I5Iare rotatably mounted upon a shaft I52 which in turn is mounted upon apair of members I53 secured to the frame 33. The springs I54 are adaptedto urge the members I 5I into close engagement with the upper surface ofthe conveyor I2.

The effect of the members I5I is substantially the effect provided bythe device I33 as previously illustrated in Figure 1 and described inconnection therewith.

The receiving hopper I56 as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 performs thesame function as the receiving hopper I46 illustrated in Figure 8 anddescribed herein. Hopper I56 is supported by a pair of brackets I51which, in turn, are secured to the member 54. As shown in Figures 9 and10, the hopper I56 is provided with an open bottom which may be closedby a pair of swinging gates I58 and I59. The arms I6I and I62 whichsupport the gates I58 and I59 respectively are pivotally mounted uponthe side walls of the hopper I56. It is obvious that when the gates I58and I59 are in the closed position as shown in Figure 10, the hopper I56will likewise be closed and any walnuts, pecans or other itemsdischarged into the same will be retained therein. However, when thegates I58 and I59 are swung open the contents of the hopper I56 aredischarged into a second hopper I 63.

Means for opening and closing the gates I58 and I59 consists of asolenoid I64 which is mounted upon one of the supports I9. The operatingmember of the solenoid I64 is pivotally connected to one end of a rodI66, the other end of which is secured to one end of a rack I61. iheother end of the rack I61 is secured to a spring I68, the normal tensionof which serves to draw the rack I61 to the right as shown in Figure 11.

The rack I61 is thus adapted to be operated by the solenoid I64 andmovement of the same will, through the arm I62, serve to open or closethe gate I59. The rack I61 is constantly in mesh with a gear I1I whoseaxis of rotation is fixed with respect to the hopper I56. Th gear I1I islikewise continually in mesh with a second rack I12 which is operativelysecured to the arm I6I as shown. It is obvious, therefore, that when therack I61 is moved to the right, as shown in Figure 11, that the gear I1Iwill be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, thereby moving the rackI12 to the left as shown in Figure 11. In this manner both the gates I58and I59 will be moved from the position shown in Figure 10 to openposition.

A hopper I63 is mounted immediately below the hopper I56 and is adaptedto receive anything discharged from the hopper I56 by the opening of thegates I58 and I59. The hopper I63 is supported by the vertical membersI9.

The lower end of the hopper I63 is open and a sack, bag or otherreceptacle 61 may be placed over the opening or end of the hopper I63 toreceive the contents therefrom. The hopper I63 is, in effect, really afunnel to direct the discharged contents of the hopper I56 into the bagor sack 61.

Near the lower end of the hopper I63 and in horizontal base I 1. Thisdevice is of the customary type and consists of an open ended cylin derI11 within which apiston I18 is adapted to be actuated. The piston I18is connected to the member 54 by a suitable connecting'rod I19.

Operation of the modifications illustrated in Figures 9, 10 and 11 maybriefly be described as follows: The conveyor I2 is actuated and thewalnut-s, pecans or other items within the cups 26 are advanced upwardlyover the end of the same as has previously been described. Members I5Iwhich overlie the advancing cups 26 prevent the items within th cupsfrom being discharged from the conveyor I2 until the items and the cups26 conveying them have advanced beyonclthe lower extreme end of themember ISIJ As has previously been explained, this insures a timeinterval between the discharge of successive items from the conveyor I2.Therefore, there is an interval of time between successive additions tothe accumulation of walnuts, pecans, or other items in the hopper I56.

Movement of the member 54 is caused by the weight within the hopper I55.Likewise, movement of the hopper I56 serves to control the flow ofelectric current to the low speed and the neutral solenoids as haspreviously been described herein, with the result that a predeterminedweight of items ma be allowed to accumulate within the hopper I55 beforethe low speed solenoid explained, this results in a decrease in thespeed of the conveyor I2, with the result that a greater period of timeelapses between a deposit of successive items within the hopper I55. 111this manner it may be said that each of the last few items dischargedfrom the conveyor I2 into the hopper I56 is weighed separately.

When the accumulated weight within the hopper I55 reaches apredetermined weight, the neutral solenoid I26 will be actuated with theresult that conveyor I2 will be stopped. When the machine has stopped,the operator will then place a sack or other receptacle 6! over thelower open end oi the hopper The operator then actuates the lever I13and closes the switch I14 with the result that the solenoid 180 isenergized. Energization of the solenoid I64 will move the rack I61 tothe right as shown in Figure 11. This results in the opening of the gateI59. The movement of the rack. I61 against the tension of spring 108also causes the rack I12 to move to the left with the result that thegate I58 is opened. As the gates I58 and I59 are opened the contents ofthe hopper I56 may be discharge into and through a hopper or funnel I63.

When the bag, sack or other receptacle B1 is removed from the open endof the hopper or funnel I83 the operator likewise releases the lever I13with the result that the switch I14 is opened. This results inde-energization of the solenoid I663. The spring I68 then returns therack I61 to the left, as shown in Figure 11 with the result that thegate I59 is closed and the rack I12 is movedto the right, as shown inFigure 11, resulting in a closing or the gate I58.

The operator then opens the control switch I3I. As has previously beendescribed, this will cause the conveyor I2 to be operated at high speedand will cause walnuts, pecans or other items to be discharged over theupper end of the conveyor I2 into the hopper I55.

The modification shown in Figure 12 illustrates a modified manner offeeding walnuts, pecans or other items to the conveyor I2. The lowersprocket 42 is enlarged but serves the same gen- I2 l is actuated. Ashas previously been eral purpose, that is, to drive the conveyor 12. Thefeed hopper II is of a different design and is placed near the lower endof the conveyor I2 generally as shown. The lower wall IilI of the feedhopper II slopes slightly and terminates immediately adjacent the uppersurface of the conveyor I2, and, as shown, is slightly inclined wherebythe contents of the hopper naturally go to the lowest point therein. Thewall I82 oi the hopper II is similar to the wall of the feed hopper,previously described herein, and, like that wall, is provided with aresilient member I83 which is substantially identical to and serves thesame general purpose as the member 24 previously described herein.

In the feed hopper II as shown in Figure 12, the contents or the hopperwill be urged against the cups 26 of the conveyor I2 which are beingadvanced upwardly over the sprocket 52. It will be seen that thewalnuts, pecans or other items in the hopper II will not be lifted ontothe conveyor I2 from their position adjacent the wall IBI unless theyare actually carried within one of the recesses 21 in the cups 26.

I claim:

In a weighing machine, a flexible endless conveyor having means thereondefining a plurality of individual article receiving cups, said cupsbeing arranged in rows generally transversely of said conveyor with therearniost cup of each row positioned in advance of the foremost cup ofthe next succeeding row, each of said cups being separately attached tosaid conveyor at a position longitudinally spaced from every other cup,means arranged to deposit an article in each cup of an upper run of saidconveyor, means for selectively driving said conveyor at din'erentspeeds, means guiding said conveyor around an idler shaft at arelatively short radius, the longitudinal spacing of said cups and themagnitude of said radius being so related that said cups areindividually and sequentially tilted to dumping position whereby todeliver individual articles as said conveyormoves around said idlershaft, a weighing mechanism having a receiver positioned for receivingarticles dumped from said cups, means actuated by said weighingmechanism to control said driving means to effect driving said conveyorat a high speed until a first predetermined weight of articles isdeposited in said receiver, to then effect driving said conveyor a lowspeedto successively and intermittently deposit individual articles insaid receiver, and to then, stop said conveyor after a finalpredetermined weight of articles is in said receiver.

HARRY L. GIBSON.

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